“I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few.”
- April 20, 1889 – April 30, 1945
- Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Political leader of Nazi Germany
- As the leader of the Nazi Party, he caused World War II and led the Holocaust (the persecution and genocide of European Jews)
Quote
“I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few.”
Explanation
In this quote, Adolf Hitler acknowledges his strategy of manipulating emotions to rally the masses while reserving reason and logical deliberation for a smaller, elite group. This tactic reflects his understanding that emotional appeal is a far more effective tool for mobilizing large numbers of people, particularly in times of crisis or uncertainty. Emotions such as fear, anger, and pride were strategically stirred through Nazi propaganda to create a sense of unity, urgency, and nationalistic fervor. The “many” could be easily influenced by these emotions, while the “few” — the leaders, intellectuals, and insiders — were tasked with more calculated, rational decisions to guide the direction of the Nazi state.
Historically, this approach was essential to the rise of the Nazi regime. Hitler’s speeches and propaganda were designed to evoke strong emotional responses, whether through calls for revenge after Germany’s defeat in World War I or the demonization of enemies such as Jews. At the same time, decisions on governance and military strategy were largely made by a smaller group of high-ranking officials, who relied on reasoned, strategic thinking rather than emotional appeal. This division between the masses and the elites allowed for a system where the emotional manipulation of the population justified extreme policies and actions, while the elites were responsible for carrying out those plans in a more calculated manner.
In the modern world, this quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of emotional manipulation in political rhetoric. Leaders who appeal primarily to emotion can create divisions and polarization, while reserving logical discourse for a select few can undermine democratic processes. The ability to recognize when emotional appeals are being used to manipulate public opinion is crucial for protecting democratic values and ensuring that rational discussion and inclusive decision-making guide societal progress, rather than the whims of a few powerful elites.
